Estate & Probate Law

Our firm believes the best time to plan estate and probate matters are long before circumstances dictate the need. Our goal is to work closely with you to identify your priorities, develop an estate plan to administer your estate in accordance with your wishes; and, to help you through probate in the event of the loss of a loved family member.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning is the process whereby a person develops a plan and prepares documents to conserve, protect, and distribute estate assets before and after death for the benefit of loved ones and charities, taking into consideration the effect of state and federal tax and administrative laws and regulations. It can also involve planning for the use of your assets for your care if you become unable to manage your affairs during your lifetime.

You should have an estate planning lawyer if:

you care about who inherits your property;

you care about your health care treatment;

you are the parent of minor or disabled children; and/or

you want to avoid the public proceedings of a possible guardianship and/or probate.

At The Moynahan Law Firm, we provide assistance and preparation of preprobate documents, including the following:

Simple and Complex Wills and Trusts

Medical Healthcare Directives

Durable Powers of Attorney

Designation of Healthcare Agents

Credit Shelter Trusts

Spousal Trusts

Guardianships

Voluntary & Involuntary Conservatorships

What is Connecticut Probate Law, and Why Do You Need a Probate Lawyer?

The State of Connecticut probate court supervises the process of distributing property as directed in a will or in accordance with the law if no will exists. Since there is court supervision of the entire process, with the help of a probate lawyer the heirs/beneficiaries can be assured of a full and fair valuation and distribution of the estate.

Few of us are prepared to deal with the loss of a loved one. It is our goal to assist the family by addressing the legal requirements of the estate allowing the family to deal with family matters in a difficult time. Let the skilled estate & probate lawyers at Moynahan Law make this difficult time that much easier.

Our probate and estate lawyers can offer assistance in with:

Collection of assets

Payment of debts

Distribution and administration

State estate tax returns

Federal estate tax returns

Probate court hearings

Probate litigation

Why Do Probate Courts Become Involved in the Settling of Decedents’ Estates?

When a person who owns property dies, the Probate Court becomes involved to oversee the division of property among those persons legally entitled to it. If the deceased person – referred to as the “decedent,” left a will, the division of property will be carried out according to the wishes of the decedent as set forth in the will. (The process of proving that a will is genuine and distributing the property outlined in the will is known as “probating” a will.) If the decedent did not leave a will, his or her property will be divided according to Connecticut’s laws of “intestacy.” In addition to overseeing the distribution of the estate, the Probate Court will insure that any debts of the decedent, funeral expenses, and taxes are paid before distributing the remaining assets of the estate.

Looking for an estate planning or probate lawyer in Waterbury, CT? Contact our office today for a free consultation now!

About Us

At The Moynahan Law Firm, our focus is on building long term relationships with our clients. We earn those relationships – due to the trust we develop and the results we produce. We talk to our clients. We hear what you have to say. We work closely with you. We take the time to understand what your needs are, and together, we identify the goals. Our role is to provide you with the counsel and advice you need in order for us to reach those goals.